Geranium Bourbon

I like the idea of a rose and geranium perfume: sweet rose and peppery geranium really bring out the best in each other, at least when the combination is done right. Unfortunately, that seems to be a hard thing to do, and most of the fragrances in this category I've tried seem to be just a little unbalanced to me. A little geranium goes a long way - when it's too dominant, the scent becomes sharp and botanical in a way that does nothing for my personal taste. On the other hand, when there's not too much of it, there's often so little it's hardly noticeable at all. So I had high hopes for this Geranium Bourbon, which from the bottle smells just right, an intoxicating garden scent of real roses and geraniums blooming together in the heat. And Eureka, it keeps it promise on the skin as well! It is quite botanical, sure, and very green in the opening - I agree with fragrancefriend: the opening is very much like crushed lemon geranium leaves. But all the way through, a wonderful rose shines through, bringing the crucial balance to the scent. As a whole, it's just very natural and very special. It dries down sweeter and richer, which I guess is what the Bourbon part of the name refers to, and I like that part as well; but the enchanted summer garden vibe of the opening and early heart are what's earned this one a high spot on my wishlist.

This is my favourite out of the Miller Harris range, closely followed by Coeur de Fleur. It was described to me in the London boutique (I was lost in Covent Garden) as a marriage between Rose Geranium and the Bourbon Rose. It's pungent of both, and I can really tell that the materials are natural - it stands out amongst my other perfumes. It's heavenly! In fact, it is different to all other perfumes I know. It is called a women's fragrance, I believe, because of the tonne of rose absolue. However, the aromatic herbs and spices push it over to unisex. A strong floral: bold and elegantly seductive.

I really like this scent. There is just something about it. The smell of geranium agrees with me. The geranium and rose play well together, with the patchouli and vanilla bringing up the rear. It is a bit unisex, and please don't be alarmed, but I think I have a freaky side to me. I smell a bit of blood in this fragrance (maybe bloody rose) and the smell of the blood is relaxing, yet intoxicating to me. Fresh, invigorating and sultry with a bit of blood on the side. Yeah I am a bit freaky I guess. I love the smell of it.

As someone heavily into orientals, I'm not a huge fan of rose but thought I should have one example in my wardrobe. Geranium Bourbon is the winner and I am now in possession of a hefty decant. The infusion of lemon and geranium cuts through the girly- girl sweetness of many of its cousins and gives it a delicate spicy accord. This is rose with a bit of a kick. A little more attitude than the polite Stella, with great staying power. This one is for me!

This is my signature scent and only just discovered it before it was discontinued. I bought 5 bottles to not run out for many years. I can detect many of the ingredients on the journey and feel powerful and a bit sexy wearing this. It lasts 7+ hours on me. Perfection in a bottle.